Starting January 21, 2026, ETS (Educational Testing Service) will update the TOEFL iBT format by introducing a new section in the Writing portion: the Write an Email Task. This is a significant change, as the Writing section previously only included the Integrated Writing and Writing for an Academic Discussion tasks.

What Is the Write an Email Task?

In the Write an Email Task, test takers are given a scenario related to an academic or social situation. Their task is to write a short email based on the given context.

The purpose of this task is to assess your ability to write practical, real-world communication, such as:

• Requesting information
• Making a complaint or describing a problem
• Giving recommendations or suggestions
• Sending invitations or making requests

You will have 7 minutes to complete this task.

Scoring Criteria

A good email in the TOEFL iBT should meet the following criteria:

1. Achieves the communication goal
Your email must fulfill the instructions — for example, explaining a problem or asking for specific information.

2. Clear and cohesive elaboration
Your writing should not be too short. It needs to include logical explanations, well-connected sentences, and complete ideas.

3. Accurate grammar and vocabulary
Use a range of vocabulary and sentence structures to demonstrate your English proficiency.

4. Proper mechanics and tone
Pay attention to spelling, punctuation, and capitalization. The email should be written in a formal or semi-formal style depending on the context.

Example Task

Here’s an example of a Write an Email Task released by ETS:

Task Prompt:

A new poetry magazine has asked its readers for submissions, and you decided to submit two of your poems. However, you had a problem using the online submission form, and you are not certain that your submissions were received.

Write an email to the editor of the magazine. In your email, do the following:

• Tell the editor what you like about the new magazine.
• Describe the problem you experienced.
• Ask about the status of your submissions.
• Write as much as you can and in complete sentences.

Strategies for the Write an Email Task

To maximize your score in this task, follow these tips:

1. Read the instructions carefully
Pay attention to your role (e.g., student, customer, writer) and the goal of the email.

2. Use a standard email format

• Opening: Dear Editor, / Dear Professor, etc.
• Body: 3–4 sentences addressing each point in the prompt
• Closing: Sincerely, / Best regards, etc.

3. Develop your ideas adequately
Avoid writing only one sentence per point. Write at least 2–3 sentences for each point to make your email clear.

4. Choose formal and polite vocabulary
Avoid slang or informal abbreviations that are inappropriate in academic or professional contexts.

5. Review before time runs out
Leave one minute at the end to check grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Sample Email Response

Your Response:

To: editor@sunshinepoetrymagazine.com
Subject: Problem using submission form

Dear Editor,

I am very excited about your new poetry magazine because it offers a fresh and creative space for young writers to share their work. The design and the variety of poems are truly inspiring.

However, when I tried to submit two of my poems through the online form, I encountered a problem. The page froze several times, and I did not receive any confirmation message or email. Because of this, I am not sure whether my submissions were successfully delivered.

Could you please let me know if my poems were received? If not, I would be happy to resubmit them through another method.

Thank you very much for your time and support. I look forward to your reply.

Best regards,
I Putu Arik Budiarsana